Patent classifications
B60G2200/14
Vehicle body structure for a two-track vehicle
A vehicle structure for a two-track vehicle provided with an auxiliary frame for a vehicle axle, in particular a rear axle, which is provided with a wheel suspension on the articulation points for wheel link on the superstructure side, which are connected to articulation points on the wheel carrier side, connected to a wheel carrier carrying a vehicle wheel, and which is equipped with a spring and/or damper unit, which is supported between a vehicle superstructure and the wheel suspension, wherein the wheel frame is connected to at least one auxiliary frame bearing in a manner that is decoupled from oscillations at the vehicle superstructure, and wherein the wheel and/or damping unit is equipped with a rotational damper. According to the invention, the auxiliary frame bearing is provided with a connection point at which is connected the rotational damper.
Rod-end suspension arm
A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.
Universal axle-hub assembly
A universal axle-hub assembly is provided for an off-road vehicle. The universal axle-hub assembly comprises a wheel hub that receives a constant velocity (CV) axle snout into an opening extending through an axle support of the wheel hub. An outboard-most portion of the opening is a splined portion that engages with similar splines disposed on an outboard-most portion of the CV axle snout. An inboard-most portion of the opening is a smooth portion that receives a smooth portion of the CV axle snout. The axle support extends through an entirety of the width of a bearing that supports the wheel hub, such that the bearing supports the smooth portion of the CV axle snout and substantially eliminates shear forces acting on the splined portion of the CV axle snout. A bearing carrier supports the bearing and may be fastened onto a trailing arm or a spindle of the off-road vehicle.
Vehicle rear suspension system
A rear suspension for a vehicle includes a knuckle for supporting a rear wheel of the vehicle, and the knuckle defines an opening. The rear suspension system further includes two suspension devices configured to be connected to the vehicle and an upper portion of the knuckle, such that each suspension device is oriented along an upright axis when the rear suspension system is mounted on the vehicle. In addition, the rear suspension system includes a control arm having a first portion configured to be connected to the vehicle and a second portion configured to extend between the axes of the suspension devices and into the opening of the knuckle when the rear suspension system is mounted on the vehicle.
Rod-end front suspension
A rod-end front suspension is provided for an off-road vehicle. The rod-end front suspension comprises a spindle assembly that is pivotally coupled with an upper suspension arm by way of a first rod-end joint and pivotally coupled with a lower suspension arm by way of a second rod-end joint. A steering rod-end joint coupled with the spindle assembly pivotally receives a steering rod. An axle assembly coupled with the spindle assembly conducts torque from a transaxle to a wheel coupled with the spindle assembly. Each of the first and second rod-end joints comprises a ball rotatably retained within a casing. The ball is fastened within a recess between parallel prongs extending from the spindle assembly. A threaded shank extending from the casing is threadably fixated with the suspension arm, such that the spindle assembly may be moved with respect to the casing and the suspension arm.
LUBRICATION SYSTEM
A lubrication system includes a coupling; a bushing in the coupling; a lubricant inlet to the coupling; a flat surface against a front surface of the bushing; and a path for lubricant to flow from the lubricant inlet to a groove on the front surface of the bushing and out between the flat surface and the front surface to lubricate an interface between the flat surface and the front surface.
Suspension
A suspension includes a housing, suspension links, a spring, and a stabilizer. The housing rotatably supports a rear wheel of a vehicle. The suspension links each have both ends swingably coupled to a vehicle body of the vehicle and the housing. The spring is disposed between the vehicle body and one of the suspension links or the housing. The stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar and a stabilizer link. A force application point where force generated by the spring is applied to the housing is disposed on a rear side of the vehicle with respect to a center of the rear wheel. The stabilizer link is coupled to the housing to allow a force application point where force generated by the stabilizer is applied to the housing to be disposed on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the center of the rear wheel.
UTILITY VEHICLE
A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.
Suspension module having an air spring pedestal
A suspension module having a knuckle, a pedestal, an upper control arm, and first and second air springs. The pedestal may be disposed on the knuckle and may support the first and second air springs. The upper control arm may be pivotally mounted to the pedestal between the first and second air springs.
Ridable kart
A ridable kart can have a body that supports a front wheel and movable rear wheels. The kart can include a motor that supports and drives the rear wheels. The motor and rear wheels are configured to tilt and rotate relative to the body of the kart. The body of the kart includes a concave space in which the front and rear wheels are positioned so that they are at least partially concealed by the body when viewed from the side of the kart.